Clair Johnston

Clair Johnston, 90, of Columbia Falls passed away August 22, 2016 at his home. He was born Oct. 6, 1925 in Kalispell to Sadie Radabah Johnston and Jack Johnston.

Finishing grade school at the local country school, he enrolled in Flathead County High School. Finding that high school wasn’t for him, he quit school and went to work for his dad in a saw mill. This became his calling for his life’s career, working him up to being a mill owner.

The only time that kept him out of the woods was when he served him in the U.S. Marine Corp during World War II. He was injured on Okinawa and received the Purple Heart. After his discharge, he returned to the Flathead Valley and continued his mill work.

He loved his life, trekking over the mountains and valleys that surrounded his home, sawing logs and hunting that big bull.

He was precede in death by his wife, Pauline; his parents, Jack and Sadie; five brother s and one sister; one step-son, Ron Herbhersman; and a granddaughter. He is survived by a step-daughter, Norma Gregory; a step daughter-in-law, Debbi Herbhersman; seven grandchildren and spouses, 14 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, and several nephews and nieces. Memorial services will be held Sept. 17 at Fairview Chapel at 2pm. Columbia Mortuary is caring for the Johnston family.